Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj is told by Belgium coach: "If I
need you I will call. I make no promises."

Manchester United starlet Adnan Januzaj looks increasingly unlikely to play international football for the country of his birth, Belgium, after his father reacted angrily to comments made by the national coach, Marc Wilmots, about his son.

Wilmots, a former attacking midfielder who won 70 caps for Belgium in the 1990s before playing his last game for his country in 2002, has been blessed with a talent-rich squad and on Tuesday they managed to advance to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years.

They have been installed as fifth favourites to lift the trophy in Brazil next summer, but Januzaj, 18, has been the subject of intense media interest following his sparkling displays for United early this season.

England manager Roy Hodgson admitted, following the winger's match-winning brace against Sunderland earlier in October, that the Football Association would be likely to inquire about his willingness to play for this country.

Hodgson's England are just one of seven countries – including Belgium, Albania, Serbia, Turkey, Kosovo (not yet recognised by Fifa) and Croatia – who are trying to convince the teenager to choose them.

The Belgium Football Association – even before his recent heroics – have long been trying to tempt Januzaj, who joined United aged 16, to pin his colours to their mast, and Wilmots could not hide his insouciance when asked by broadcaster RTBF about the player's desire to represent the country of his birth.

"It is impossible to negotiate with me," Wilmots said. "The boy was born in Belgium, should he say that he wants to play for Belgium – from there, there is no haggling. I'm not going to play that game.

"The kid is available? He wants to play? Then perfect, OK, show me.

"If you're at the top level in Manchester or elsewhere, show me your skills and if I need you I will call. I make no promises, to Januzaj or any person!"

The comments sparked a bitter reaction from Abedin Januzaj, the coveted midfielder's father, who responded: "This is shameless. We never reacted on selections, phone calls or letters from the Belgian FA.

"They are requesting his selection, not us. Wilmots' remarks won't make it easier now. We are angry about these comments."

It comes as reports on Thursday suggested that the Brussels-born player himself is ready to opt for England, but only if the FA are able to overcome the obstacle of the five-year residency rule. Under the current rules he would need to play in England for three more years before he could pull on a three lions jersey.